The Christmas elves are out in full force in the Cove.
Kudos to district workers for stringing glowing bulbs in the trees behind the cultural centre – making seasons bright in our village. And to the pantomime actors inside the centre who are practising hard to put a smile on our faces.
Thanks to the merchants on Gallant who collected donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. And Seycove social justice students for putting together Christmas hampers for the less fortunate and raising spirits of Downtown Eastside residents.
For many, Christmas can be a challenging time of year – when feelings of despair and loneliness are elevated. There’s the unemployed parent who struggles just to put food on the table. Or the elderly senior who is shut-in during the holidays.
There are many ways to give back at Christmas.
You can volunteer with Operation Red Nose and drive people safely home in their vehicle. Rides are provided by donation and proceeds support North Shore youth programs. Email volunteer@nsorn.org to learn more.
Harvest Project, Lookout Emergency Aid Society and North Shore Women’s Centre are in need of food, clothing and toiletry donations, not only at Christmas but also throughout the year.
Being charitable this Christmas is as easy as leaving your empties out for ‘Santa.’ Literally. There’s a guy named Hank, who for years has been driving around the North Shore, including the Seymour area, collecting bottles and cans to recycle for charity. Visit hankschristmasglitter.com to arrange a pickup.
And finally thanks to families on Marykirk Place (Blueridge) and Beachview Drive (Deep Cove) for investing time and energy into their Griswold-esque Christmas light show every year.
Happy Holidays from the staff at the Deep Cove Crier!
